The North Platte High Lady Bulldogs played to their strength as a defensive-oriented soccer team and they earned a 1-0 win over Kearney Catholic on Monday at Bauer Field.

“We played a solid game from back to front,” NPHS Head Coach Sarah Kaminski said. “Both of our goalkeepers were really aggressive off their line. Our defenders were solid. I’d say 90% of their balls off their feet were driven with a purpose. Our (midfielders) were moving and they made sure we’re not just shoving the ball up the gut. They were combining lots of give-and-go passes, giving the team a chance to attack together. They just came together as a group and I am so proud of them.”

The game’s lone goal came 12 minutes in when Natalie LaChapelle crossed the ball to Abby Kaminski, who headed the ball into the goal to give North Platte (5-4) the lead.

“It’s great to be the one there finishing and she did a nice job finishing,” Coach Kaminski said. “But that was a team effort. I think it touched four different feet from the time it started to the back and made it up the field. That’s what I ask them to do, everybody doing their role and working together.”

Wind played a factor as is often the case during the season and Kaminski’s goal came when the Bulldogs were playing against a 20 mile-per-hour wind. After NPHS held the lead for the rest of the first half, they had an advantage in the second half with the wind.

“If you play the game well and you keep the ball to the ground, passing to feet, combining in and out passes, the wind shouldn’t be a problem,” Kaminski said. “We did a good job of winning the ball and Kearney Catholic couldn’t get a good shot off. This is the most solid game I’ve seen them play and I am immensely impressed with them.”

North Platte held the lead from there. In the second half, Josie Douglas subbed in for Izzy Belgum at goalie and she preserved the lead.

Kaminski said the substitution was a normal part of the gameplan and they will continue to use the two goalies.

“We’ve got two goalkeepers who have strengths and they’re doing good things out there,” she said. “They complement each other and they were both supportive of each other. They both played a great half.”

Next, the Bulldogs will play at Holdrege (0-5) on Thursday.

© 2025 The North Platte Bulletin. All rights reserved!